Witnesses have stated that following the head knock Purcell remained motionless on the field while he was attended to by the Ballina Seagulls club doctor and a Seagulls reserve grade player who was an off-duty paramedic.

Local paramedics arrived on scene soon after to rush the player to the nearby Ballina Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

New South Wales police have said a report will be prepared for the coroner following the death of Mr Purcell.

In a statement released on the incident NSW Country Rugby League have sent their condolences to people close to the rugby league player.

"Country Rugby League send their condolences to the family and friends of 29-year-old Zane Purcell who tragically passed away while playing for The Lower Clarence Reserve Grade Rugby League Club on Sunday afternoon," a CRL spokesman said.

"Country Rugby League is providing counselling to the family and both teams who participated in yesterday's match."

The long-time player with Lower Clarence Magpies based in Maclean, was not revived before he was taken from the field.

The remainder of the reserve grade game and the first grade game were cancelled as a sign of respect. The players from both teams were understood to be to upset to continue the games.